Industrial and Commercial Wiring General Info
If you’re interested in being a residential, commercial, or industrial electrician, pursue the Industrial & Commercial Wiring degree. The Industrial and Commercial Wiring program provides a unique combination of class and lab experience combined with a cooperative training program (summer internship). The first year of study builds your foundation of knowledge in electrical theory, wiring applications, and the study and application of the National Electric Code. In your second year, you will gain hands-on training in industrial/ commercial wiring, programmable controls, electronic fundamentals, and motor control circuitry. You will also develop a working knowledge of AC and DC electrical theory, blueprint reading, and three-phase power distribution. The National Electric Code is emphasized in all areas of study.
Upon completion of this program you will possess the skills, knowledge and basic tools necessary to enter the electrical trade. NCC graduates have enjoyed numerous job opportunities in the areas of residential wiring, industrial and commercial construction wiring, electrical sales, and self-employment.
One year of high school algebra is recommended.
Future Ready Iowa Scholarships
FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP
THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For specific details of the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship (including how to apply) and for a full list of every NCC program that qualifies – click here. Contact NCC’s Financial Aid Office at 712-324-5061 or finaid@nwicc.edu for more information.

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- Associate of Applied Science Degree
Length
- Four Semesters & One Summer Co-op Internship
- Fall semester entry only
Student Profile
- Basic math skills
- Communication skills
- Enjoy working with your hands
- Interested in electrical field
- Computer skills helpful
Program Location
- This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Student Story ROBERT PEINKE
“The hands-on learning at NCC really stands out. You learn something in class and then you go to the lab and do it. The instructors have a lot of experience and are really good.”
Industrial & Commercial Wiring student
Alexander, IA


Requirements for this program
Course # | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 21 | |
ELE108-C | Residential Blueprint Reading | 4 |
ELE120-E | Fundamentals of Electricity - DC | 4 |
ELE160-C | Residential Wiring Theory/Lab | 6 |
ELE228-C | National Electric Code | 4 |
MAT106-E | Elementary Algebra | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 19 | |
ELE109-C | Commercial Blueprint Reading | 4 |
ELE121-E | Fundamentals of Electricity - AC | 4 |
ELE161-C | Commercial Wiring Theory/Lab | 8 |
Elective | Communications* | 3 |
SUMMER TERM | 6 | |
ELE270-C | Coop Internship for IC Wiring** | 6 |
OR | ||
WBL300-E | Internship | 3 |
AND | ||
WBL308-E | Internship—Ind Tech | 3 |
Course # | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
SECOND YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 19 | |
ELE168-C | Industrial Wiring Theory/Lab | 6 |
ELE199-C | Motor Control Principles | 5 |
ELE211-C | Programmable Controllers | 5 |
Elective | Humanities/Social Science* | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 19 | |
ELE154-C | Codes & Standards | 5 |
ELE170-C | Power Distribution | 2 |
ELE182-C | Introduction to Electronics | 3 |
ELE183-C | Electronic Control | 3 |
ELE191-C | Motor Theory | 2 |
WBL110-E | Employability Skills | 1 |
Elective | General Education* | 3 |
Total Credits | 84 |
*You may take any math, communications, or humanities/social science course with A or E suffix. You may also take Introduction to Computers (CSC110-A) to fulfill the general education elective.
**A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required to enroll in the Coop Internship for Industrial & Commercial Wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions

This program prepares you to work in residential, commercial, or industrial wiring. Our graduates have numerous job opportunities, including residential wiring, industrial and commercial construction wiring, and self-employment. NCC placement rates are 80% BEFORE graduation, 100% after. Five to ten companies come to NCC each year solely to recruit students from this program.
$14–24 per hour. Advancement opportunities include manager, supervisor, and estimator (some of these jobs would be office work and less hands-on).
50% of time will be spent on hands-on projects in the lab; 50% lecture. As a student, you will spend the summer doing hands-on work at a co-op. This is a paid position, that also gives you class credit.
NCC’s ICW program was the first electrical program approved by the Electrical Examining Board for the State of Iowa. NCC has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and more time is spent in the lab and less in lecture. NCC was recently recognized as having the #1 Electrical programs in the Nation!
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.